 Itchy scratchy fleas or other allergies?
#369091 - 11/10/2012 01:19 AM |
Webboard User
Reg: 09-02-2009
Posts: 581
Loc: Ca
 Offline |
|
Zoey has been itching more lately, it's more intense than the occasional but it's not non stop. She scratches here underbelly and that's more red than usual, lots of scratching her arm pits and one has very light scratches/scrapes from her nails, also scratches and nibbles her tail, back, thigh areas, all the places I would think fleas but I have not seen one. I use a flea comb and search nothing, search by hand inch by inch haven't seen one.
She is on First Shield Trio from the vet (I don't like) but not sure how good that stuff is? I mentioned to the vet I want to take Zoey to a Derm Vet and she said it's a waste of money but this is the vet who said you can't feed raw because it's bad for your dog.
I 'm thinking it's flea bite dermatitis but how can you tell if it is and how can you tell if it's fleas when I never see any on the dog or in the house?
|
 Top
|
|
Re: Itchy scratchy fleas or other allergies?
[Re: Joe Waddington ]
#369096 - 11/10/2012 06:51 AM |
Webboard User
Reg: 08-16-2005
Posts: 1221
Loc:
| Offline |
|
Even if you don't see fleas it is the most likely possibility. I'd take her to the derm vet despite what your regular vet says. It would be best to find out for sure what the cause is.
We don't use any of the chemical flea products. Our dogs get fed the food grade diatomaceous earth and we use it on the dogs and in the garden as well. Apple cider vinegar can relieve the itching and, if added to the dog's water (you have to start with just a drop or two until the dog gets used to the taste)the acidity repels the fleas (they don't like the taste, I guess). The only thing is you need to get a real, natural vinegar such as "Braggs."
"A dog wags his tail with his heart." Max Buxbaum
|
|
Top
|
|
Re: Itchy scratchy fleas or other allergies?
[Re: Joe Waddington ]
#369100 - 11/10/2012 09:30 AM |
Moderator
Reg: 07-13-2005
Posts: 31571
Loc: North-Central coast of California
| Offline |
|
Zoey has been itching more lately, it's more intense than the occasional but it's not non stop. She scratches here underbelly and that's more red than usual, lots of scratching her arm pits and one has very light scratches/scrapes from her nails, also scratches and nibbles her tail, back, thigh areas, all the places I would think fleas but I have not seen one. I use a flea comb and search nothing, search by hand inch by inch haven't seen one.
She is on First Shield Trio from the vet (I don't like) but not sure how good that stuff is? I mentioned to the vet I want to take Zoey to a Derm Vet and she said it's a waste of money but this is the vet who said you can't feed raw because it's bad for your dog.
I 'm thinking it's flea bite dermatitis but how can you tell if it is and how can you tell if it's fleas when I never see any on the dog or in the house?
Do you know the white sheet test?
|
|
Top
|
|
Re: Itchy scratchy fleas or other allergies?
[Re: Connie Sutherland ]
#369104 - 11/10/2012 10:15 AM |
Webboard User
Reg: 02-28-2008
Posts: 2075
Loc: Dallas, Texas
| Offline |
|
Joe, many of us hear have been to the Derm Vet, and we will tell you, it actually saves you money in the long run.
Most people spend a fortune with their GP Vet first, only to discover if they had just gone to their Derm Vet first, they would have saved a ton.
As Connie has said before, there is a reason Derm Vets are in a specialty, because it is such a large scope of skin related issues, it pays to get the specialist knowledge and expertise.
You don't have to always start with intradermal testing either. Most Derm vets know just where to begin. I can't recommend them enough.
As for the vet who doesn't support raw or the Derm vet, well, I would find a new vet. Or be content to take your own path. This vet is wrong, JMO.
Joyce Salazar
 |
|
Top
|
|
Re: Itchy scratchy fleas or other allergies?
[Re: Joe Waddington ]
#369106 - 11/10/2012 10:24 AM |
Moderator
Reg: 07-13-2005
Posts: 31571
Loc: North-Central coast of California
| Offline |
|
Yep, Joyce is 100% correct, I can say after a LOT of derm experience over many years.
In this case, where I'm reading such classic flea symptoms, I would start with a white sheet test and post back, because it may well be that we can lead you through flea eradication.
Also, I'd get right on it. She is breaking skin, and unfortunately, even if she's not having major misery and sleep loss, the next event after broken skin is often an infection. I would way rather avoid that than have to fix it.
|
|
Top
|
|
Re: Itchy scratchy fleas or other allergies?
[Re: Joe Waddington ]
#369115 - 11/10/2012 02:02 PM |
Webboard User
Reg: 09-02-2009
Posts: 581
Loc: Ca
| Offline |
|
Elaine you put the diatomaceous earth in the food how much?
Connie can you explain the sheet test again in detail so I'm doing it right and how do I know if it is flea dirt?
Joyce I'm with you on the find a new vet and looking forward the the derm vet to see what it is.
|
|
Top
|
|
Re: Itchy scratchy fleas or other allergies?
[Re: Joe Waddington ]
#369117 - 11/10/2012 03:14 PM |
Moderator
Reg: 07-13-2005
Posts: 31571
Loc: North-Central coast of California
| Offline |
|
Joe, note that she said "f ood grade diatomaceous earth."
OK, flea pepper: Brush the dog thoroughly while she's standing on a big white sheet. Drop a tiny drop of water on a speck of flea pepper. It will turn red. (Flea dirt is your dog's dried blood.)
|
|
Top
|
|
Re: Itchy scratchy fleas or other allergies?
[Re: Joe Waddington ]
#369118 - 11/10/2012 03:16 PM |
Moderator
Reg: 07-13-2005
Posts: 31571
Loc: North-Central coast of California
| Offline |
|
.... Joyce I'm with you on the find a new vet and looking forward the the derm vet to see what it is.
And I think you mentioned that Lori had given you derm vet info, so you're all set with that if you find no flea dirt, right?
I know she has a good derm vet.
|
|
Top
|
|
Re: Itchy scratchy fleas or other allergies?
[Re: Joe Waddington ]
#369138 - 11/11/2012 12:49 AM |
Webboard User
Reg: 09-02-2009
Posts: 581
Loc: Ca
| Offline |
|
I'll be doing the white sheet test tomorrow and will let you know what I find.
I'll be checking with the Derm Vet, Lori's Derm Vet had 2 DV's that she recommended at a closer office to me.
|
|
Top
|
|
Re: Itchy scratchy fleas or other allergies?
[Re: Joe Waddington ]
#369143 - 11/11/2012 06:09 AM |
Webboard User
Reg: 06-13-2010
Posts: 511
Loc: Western Australia
| Offline |
|
My dogs are going through the same sort of thing at the moment, thanks everyone for the advice! Good luck Joe hope you get it under control!
|
|
Top
|
When purchasing any product from Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. it is understood
that any and all products sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. are sold in Dunn
County Wisconsin, USA. Any and all legal action taken against Leerburg Enterprises,
Inc. concerning the purchase or use of these products must take place in Dunn
County, Wisconsin. If customers do not agree with this policy they should not
purchase Leerburg Ent. Inc. products.
Dog Training is never without risk of injury. Do not use any of the products
sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. without consulting a local professional.
The training methods shown in the Leerburg Ent. Inc. DVD’s are meant
to be used with a local instructor or trainer. Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. cannot
be held responsible for accidents or injuries to humans and/or animals.
Copyright 2010 Leerburg® Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. All photos and content on leerburg.com are part of a registered copyright owned by Leerburg Enterprise, Inc.
By accessing any information within Leerburg.com, you agree to abide by the
Leerburg.com Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Previous Topic
Index
Next Topic.jpg)
